Customs incinerates 3 million illegal cigarettes

Maldives Customs Service destroyed over 3.1 million illegally imported cigarettes on Sunday.

The destruction took place at K. Dhoonidhoo, where 199 cases totaling 3,183,040 cigarettes were incinerated.

Customs stated that the items had been seized during anti-smuggling operations, but did not disclose when or where the seizures occurred, nor the status of related investigations.

This operation follows the high-profile theft of two containers containing 13.6 million cigarettes, originally seized by Customs on April 26 and stored at the Hulhumale' seaport under Maldives Ports Limited (MPL). The theft was discovered on October 8, triggering a multi-agency probe and parliamentary scrutiny.

Police have arrested four individuals believed to be key figures in the case:

• Ahmed Arif (Aattey) – owner of Lotus Fihaara  

• Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali) – CEO of Apollo Holdings  

• Muaz Ali – MIFCO Engineering GM and former Customs officer  

• Zivar Ismail – Customs Superintendent

The Criminal Court ordered:

• Muaz to be remanded for 5 days  

• Dhigali Waheed for 10 days  

• Arif and Zivar for 15 days

Customs has suspended Zivar, while MIFCO suspended Muaz. MPL also suspended six employees and launched a security audit of its terminals. Investigators have imposed travel bans on 12 individuals and searched multiple vessels and properties.

The case has drawn national attention, especially after reports revealed the containers were swapped with fakes and surveillance systems were tampered with during the heist. Parliament’s 241 Committee postponed a scheduled hearing with security agencies, citing concerns that it might obstruct the ongoing investigation.

The incident comes amid a broader crackdown on illicit tobacco trade. The government recently raised cigarette duty to MVR 240 per pack, which officials say has led to a surge in counterfeit and smuggled tobacco products.